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T-Mobile webConnect Rocket 2.0 USB WWAN modem now on sale
Timely, no? In concert with its HSPA+ expansion, T-Mobile USA has decided to come clean with that webConnect Rocket 2.0 that we peeked a few weeks ago courtesy of a leaked presentation slide. Said device isn't drastically different than the original, offering a mildly overhauled design and "a new rotating swivel USB form factor." The bigger news is the expanded platform support, with this bugger now playing nice with Windows 7, XP, Vista and any version of OS X since 10.4. It's up for grabs right now via the source link if you're in the mood for those so-called "4G speeds," with an on-contract stick costing absolutely nothing and a no-strings-attached version running $199.99. Update: We've updated the post with a new image of the actual device, though it's not quite ready for primetime on T-Mobile's site just yet. When it hits, it'll run $49.99 on contract, with the 1.0 version going for zilch on contract.
iPhone headed for T-Mobile USA in Q3?
We hear so many iPhone-Verizon-tomorrow-OMG rumors that our nation's brave also-ran carriers hardly get a word in edgewise. While Sprint remains a total longshot, T-Mobile USA is an interesting proposition for the mere fact that it's a GSM network, though its 1700 / 2100 3G network remains ostensibly incompatible with the iPhone 4's existing radio. According to Cult of Mac, a "highly placed source" at T-Mobile let it slip that they've got an 80 percent chance of getting the iPhone in Q3. Now, that's an oddly specific number, and we have no idea what it's contingent on, or how much exactly this source knows. Basically, we don't know a lot here. Of course, the biggest evidence of this possible T-Mobile coup remains the statement from Deutsche Telekom's CEO in March, saying that the USA branch is hoping to get the iPhone later this year. We really don't know who or what to believe, but we do know one thing: if Apple decides to sell a T-Mobile USA iPhone, there's an 80+ percent chance it will tell everybody.
Samsung Vibrant launching today, awaits new owners in T-Mobile's online store
A tiny bit of uncertainty has been cleared away thanks to good old Twitter, where T-Mobile has made July 15 (aka, today!) the official launch date for its Galaxy S derivative, the Vibrant. The original Tweet seems to have disappeared into the ether apart from that screenshot above, but T-Mo has reiterated the statement in subsequent missives, telling its followers that the Vibrant will be on sale today. We imagine the typical $199.99 price point will remain unaltered, so all you'll really need to do now is decide whether this is the Super AMOLED handset for you, or whether you can wait the extra few days until Sprint et al intro their offerings. Decisions, decisions. [Thanks, Alex] Update: And it's now available to buy directly from T-Mobile's online store [Thanks, Volaris].
T-Mobile webConnect Rocket 2.0 leaks out, brings along Mac support and microSDHC slot
T-Mobile's webConnect Rocket has only been delivering "4G speeds" to users in search of mobile internet for a handful of months now, but already the company looks to have a successor on deck. If a pair of leaked slides are to be believed, the webConnect Rocket 2.0 is mildly overhauled version of the original USB WWAN modem, capable of delivering HSPA+ speeds on both PC and Mac platforms. There's also a nifty microSDHC slot for loading up to 16GB of storage, but outside of that, little else is known. We're still waiting patiently for a price and release date to come our way, but in the meantime, feel free to slam the brakes on that impending Rocket 1.0 purchase.
T-Mobile roadmap leaks out, plenty of Android in store
For starters, there's no actual way to confirm that the image you're peering at above is legitimate, but given that the listed Charm just went official, there's at least a sliver of believability here. So far as we can tell, this is T-Mobile USA's 2H 2010 handset roadmap, and as you'd expect, it's chock full of Android. Aside from news of impending Dell netbooks and 16 total phones, we're paying particular attention to the upcoming Samsung Vibrant (locked for July 21st), the HTC Vanguard (set for September 9th) and an HTC Schubert (pegged for November 17th). We're guessing that the latter is that 1.5GHz 'Scorpion' that we heard about back in June, and we'll obviously dispose of quite a few tears should that not be the case. In related news, it looks as if the myTouch 3G, Cliq and Cliq XT could be seeing their long-awaited updates to Android 2.1 this August, so there's that. Hit the links below for more, and feel free to let your imagination run wild in comments below. But not too wild.
Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Fascinate preview
You'd think we'd be totally sick of Samsung's Galaxy S phones after seeing AT&T's Captivate and Sprint's Epic 4G, but we're just not done lovin' the 4-inch Super AMOLED, Android devices. Verizon's Fascinate and T-Mobile's Vibrant happen to be the last two Sammy phones to jump into our hands-on, but coincidentally, they're also the most alike. Design-wise, both remind us of the iPhone 3G / 3GS -- they're all screen on the front, strikingly thin, and have black shiny backs. And just like the Captivate and Epic 4G, they've got four touch sensitive buttons along the bottom edge. The Super AMOLED screens continue to impress, and watching a clip of Avatar on both versions was pretty breathtaking. (No, we didn't have an iPhone 4 on hand for comparisons, but make sure to check out the post where we put them head-to-head). We didn't get to put the 1GHz Hummingbird CPU to the test in our short hands-on time, though both Android 2.1-running phones seemed to perform briskly when opening videos and pulling up the browser. Beyond Samsung's TouchWiz skin, both are preloaded with Swype and other carrier apps -- Verizon's version had Skype Mobile as well as a number of VCAST applications. Oh, and unlike most of the other Galaxy S phones, the Fascinate had a flash on its backside. We don't have much more on these bad boys for now -- we're still waiting on pricing and availability -- but the pictures and videos after the break should hold you over. %Gallery-96589% %Gallery-96590% Note: Pay no attention to the background -- there isn't any intended symbolism to draw here, it was just the best lighting arrangement we could muster.
T-Mobile USA's Samsung Galaxy S to be called 'Vibrant'
So, we know AT&T's version of the Galaxy S is called the Captivate -- but what about T-Mobile? Earlier rumors that it'd be called "Vibrant" are all but confirmed today thanks to a carrier-run site that's slowly revealing a rebus puzzle... and so far, we can clearly see Sam + Sun + G and Viking - King + [unknown] + Ant. So yeah, that pretty much locks it up -- and with a Super AMOLED display on board, we'd say the name fits perfectly (and TmoNews claims to have the original image anyway, where the unknown portion is Bee + R). We're expecting some sort of US-focused Galaxy S announcement out of Sammy next Tuesday, so we imagine this'll be it.
Samsung Behold II fails to fulfill Android 2.0 promise, jilted users contemplating lawsuit (video)
When Samsung launched its Behold II with Android 1.5 on board, it made something of a big deal about the fact the handset will be upgradeable to version 2.0 when that software became available. Such a big deal that it even put the promise of an OTA update into a promo video -- a video that subsequently got yanked as the company realized it wasn't going to be able to stick to its word. Well, that evidence has now been tracked down (see it after the break), and all those buyers who were left with a Cupcake in lieu of a promised Eclair have hardly forgotten about it either. Samsung's position varies between the boilerplate "we don't have a future release date," to a stone cold "the SGH-T939 will never qualify for the Android 2X update," depending on which rep you speak to. The disappointed users have therefore resorted to putting a petition together, which asks that either a refund, replacement Android 2.x handset, or a real update be provided to them, and concludes that "legal action will be taken" if Samsung fails them. That's not exactly unreasonable , given the unfulfilled expectation -- Samsung, what say you? [Thanks, Yitzhak]
T-Mobile USA CEO Robert Dotson announces his departure
It's been a really uproarious week for CEOs in the tech community -- and it looks like the fun is not quite over yet. Early this morning T-Mobile USA announced the departure of CEO Robert Dotson after 15 years with the company. His resignation will take effect in February of 2011, and he'll stay on the company's board until May, with former T-Mobile Deutschland CEO Philip Humm stepping in to fill his shoes. There aren't many other details available regarding the reason for his departure, but we'll keep our ear to the ground for you. The full press release follows.
Nokia E73 'Mode' coming to T-Mobile next month?
This is totally out of the blue, but we were just hit up with a screen shot suggesting that T-Mobile USA will be launching a portrait QWERTY handset from Nokia on June 16 known as the E73 'Mode.' As is evidenced with the Nuron, T-Mobile has a tendency to assign trademarkable names to Nokias in its lineup that are known elsewhere in the world by their model number only, so we imagine that this phone will end up launching globally simply as the E73 as it takes over the E72's throne as Espoo's top productivity beast. More on this as we get it, but in the meantime, check out a bigger shot of the phone after the break. [Thanks, Spenny]
Motorola Motoroi getting Android 2.1, bound for UK?
There's no word yet on when the Motorola Motoroi will make it to T-Mobile (in the industry we call that "the T-Motoroiola rumor") but there has definitely been a good deal of chatter concerning this handset. The latest has Pocket-lint confirming a UK release with Moto itself. Offering similarities to Taipei's HSPA-lovin' XT701, users in Ol' Blighty (and the rest of the UK) can look forward to an 8-megapixel camera (with a Xenon flash), support for 720p video, mini HDMI, and an unspecified processor boost. In addition, Android 2.1 is likely to be part of the deal. We have neither a timeline nor a price, and the veracity of this rumor is yet to be established (although it does seem like a no-brainer), but if this all goes down as Pocket-lint says it will you can color us Yanks mighty jealous.
Google 'no longer investigating' fix for Nexus One 3G issues, advises 'changing your location'
Looking back through our archives, you'll find plenty of user dissatisfaction with the 3G reception on Google's Nexus One. Blamed alternately on T-Mobile's inferior 3G coverage and on software bugs, the problem was expected to be banished with an over-the-air update in early February. The update came, but the trouble also stayed. It might now be time to finally lay those last lingering hopes for rectification to rest, as Google has directly responded to calls for a bigger and better OTA patch by explaining that it's no longer working on "further engineering improvements." That's a pretty conclusive sign that the problem is in the hardware, particularly when you peruse the support thread in question and the reception comparisons users have been doing with other handsets. Well, at least you know for sure now. [Thanks, Ryan]
T-Mobile's HTC HD2 gets purchased and unboxed early (video)
T-Mobile's not officially selling its world-beating HD2 until Wednesday, but if you've a Walmart nearby and hankering to get HTC's latest and greatest a few days early, it might be worth a trip out. JDMiPhoner managed to score one from his local Wally World a full four days early, and he's been kind enough to unbox it, boot it up and give us a few first impressions on video. Is it really worth a couple of Benjamins with Windows Phone 7 Series just a few months away? Head on past the break if you'd care to be reminded of just how painful it is to know that this WinMo 6.5-packin' gem won't ever be upgradable (natively, anyway) to WP7S. [Thanks, Andrew] Update: Windows Mobile Nation got one as well (also from Walmart), and has hosted up a nice gallery of shots here.
T-Mobile and Clearwire mulling 4G partnership
Looks like the kids at T-Mobile USA are well aware that their company's future will depend on offering both compelling handsets and a competitive network for them to ride on. Reuters reports that the Deutsche Telekom subsidiary has been exploring all its options with regard to the provision of 4G services, including potential joint ventures with cable companies and even spectrum sharing with AT&T, though the likeliest candidate for the moment remains Clearwire's WiMAX infrastructure. Asked about a potential merger with Sprint, who controls more than 50 percent of Clearwire, T-Mobile's CEO Robert Dotson declined the idea, explaining that "what you never want to do is take one company that is going through challenges and take another company going through challenges." Reports of ongoing discussions between Clearwire and T-Mo have been around since last September, and the latest from Dotson suggests that his company is keen to get a resolution either way as soon as possible.
T-Mobile USA eyeing iPhone launch this year or next?
We don't like to stir up the nearly constant barrage of "so-and-so is getting the iPhone" rumors unless we've got a great reason to do so -- and we'd argue that a Financial Times report involving statements from Deutsche Telekom's CEO qualifies. The British rag was chatting up DT's boss over the prospects of its American unit -- T-Mobile USA -- and stressed the company's long-term commitment to turning around T-Mobile's fortunes in the face of recent spinoff rumors, saying that it's all about rapidly building out a speedy 3G network as part of an effort this year "to lay the foundation for future growth." Here's where it gets juicy: referring to the iPhone, the report goes on to say that "T-Mobile USA is hoping to start selling the popular smartphone later this year or next year" while focusing on Android in the meantime, as if Android is merely a stopgap measure to make it through to the singular device that can save America's number four carrier from going down the tubes. It's not clear whether FT got the chief exec making a statement to that effect on the record or it's merely gleaning this knowledge from other rumors, but the only way this would be able to happen is if the next iPhone were to come in an AWS-compatible version -- and that seems unlikely considering that AWS coverage represents a trivially small fraction of 3G subscribers around the world. Of course, wireless CEOs of all walks of life regularly make statements saying they'd be more than happy to carry the iPhone if the opportunity presented itself, so this could be little more than off-the-cuff blather anyway.
T-Mobile webConnect Rocket available March 14, already blowing minds in Philly
It looks like T-Mobile's webConnect Rocket USB modem will be released right on schedule, even if you currently have to be in Philadelphia to enjoy those HSPA+ speeds (then again, if you're in Philadelphia you probably deserve a break). Accordingly, folks jumping on that March 14 release date can expect to pay $99 with a two-year contract that entitles you to monthly charges of $50 for 5GB or $20 for 200MB -- with a $0.20 / megabyte overage charge. Fun! Additionally, the kids at Mobile Burn got their hands on a unit for a review and were generally quite impressed with consistent download speeds ranging from 1780Kbps to 2797Kbps "on a couple of [DSLreports.com] East Coast servers." Hell, after moving to a location with "prime, perfect signal (-51dbm)" things picked up considerably, with, on average, 6480Kbps downloads and 2160Kbps uploads. Not bad, eh? Hit the source link to get into the nitty gritty. PR after the break.
T-Mobile invites us to 'come experience the HTC HD2' on March 16; release on the 24th? (update: or 23rd!)
Like clockwork, we've just been dropped a line by T-Mobile USA asking us to join them for a very special media event to check out the HTC HD2 -- "a larger than life entertainment powerhouse" -- in fabulous New York City on the evening of March 16. That lines up nicely with the company's earlier assurances that we'd see a launch in March -- but what day in March, exactly? Well, we're hearing from a number of tipsters (including trusted sources) that the 24th is the day this thing breaks loose at retail, so set your watches and calendars accordingly -- assuming you haven't been wooed into Windows Phone 7 Series' tender, loving grasp, that is. Update: MobiTV -- which has an app bundled with T-Mobile's version of the HD2 -- says the HD2 is launching on the 23rd, and frankly, they're probably in a position to know. Thanks, Stephen!
HTC HD2 and Moto Cliq XT pricing revealed in T-Mobile database?
Alright, we know there's a big old watermark covering it up, but the HD2's price when it makes its eagerly awaited US debut on T-Mobile has been identified as being $199 after rebate, presumably as part of a two-year commitment with the carrier. As usual with such screen grabs, we can't be 100 percent sure, but that number seems to be in the right ballpark, and is joined by a $129 price for Motorola's Cliq XT and a $69 sticker for Nokia's Nuron handset. All three are expected to arrive at some point this month, though we urge caution with the HD2 -- it's still only a Windows Mobile 6.5 device, in spite of Microsoft's equivocations about Windows Phone 7, and should be obtained solely on the basis of what you know. That is to say, you'd better really love HTC's Sense UI and that 4.3-inch screen, because you'll be buying into an OS with a very short remaining shelf life, no prospects of future app development, and no guarantees about upgrades. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
T-Mobile launching 21Mbps webConnect Rocket, HTC HD2 next month
During Deutsche Telekom's press conference this morning at MWC, Cole Brodman -- T-Mobile USA's CTO -- went on record with the news that it'll be launching its first 21Mbps HSPA+ USB modem next month across the country, the webConnect Rocket. Of course, there isn't a lot of live 21Mbps footprint in T-Mobile's network right now -- in fact, only Philly is fully operational -- but there should be plenty more cities from coast to coast where you can enjoy DSL-shaming wireless speeds later this year. That might not be the most exciting news, though: Brodman also finally fessed up to the HD2 (unbranded version pictured above), which will be exclusive to T-Mobile in the US. It's arguably pretty bad timing in light of the Windows Phone 7 Series announcement yesterday, but a huge win nonetheless -- the phone is a legitimate beast. Like the webConnect Rocket, it'll be hitting in March, though exact dates and prices for either have yet to be revealed. Update: T-Mobile had previously hinted that there's be some surprised in store for the US release of the HD2, and indeed, there are; it's got Blockbuster On Demand integrated for downloading movies directly to the device, a Barnes & Noble eReader app for enjoying the Nook's digital library right on the phone, and -- for some reason we don't fully appreciate -- Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen bundled on the included microSD. Full PR after the break -- and reader Qasim points out that T-Mobile's HD2 website is now live as well.
T-Mobile promises to say more about the HTC HD2 next week
Nothing more to go on with this one than what you see above, unfortunately, but that message does come from T-Mobile USA's official Twitter account, and it pretty clearly indicates that the carrier will have something to say about the eagerly anticipated HTC HD2 sometime next week. That would certainly line up with the latest rumors we've hearing -- which pointed to a March launch -- but we'll just have to wait a few more days to see exactly what the carrier has planned for the mighty Windows Mobile phone. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
